Archive Record

Collection

Jim Bolus Collection

Object Name

Recording, Audio

Catalog Number

1985.155.0074

Title

Jim Bolus interviews during the 1978 Belmont Stakes

Description

Side A -- June 8, 1978

Side begins with Bolus speaking over the phone with a man named Tony, agent for jockey Angel Cordero, who will ride Darby Creek Road in the upcoming Belmont Stakes. They discuss Cordero's recent injuries and speedy recovery, and Darby Creek Road's prospects in the race, against favorites Affirmed and Alydar.

9:08 -- Bolus is speaking over the phone to Lou Rondinello, trainer of Darby Creek Road. Rondinello says he is a good horse, but has not managed to beat the top horses at all. They discuss how Darby Creek Road has been doing, his prospects in the upcoming race, and the other horses in the field.

16:28 -- John Russell, trainer of Judge Advocate, is speaking to reporters. He confirms Jeff Fell will ride Judge Advocate in the Belmont Stakes, and discusses his prospects for the race. He discusses the favorites Affirmed and Alydar, and makes comparisons to recent years in racing.

28:11 -- John Veitch, trainer of Alydar, is speaking to reporters. Veitch discusses why he believes his horse will beat Affirmed in the Belmont Stakes. He discusses Alydar's training, his previous races against Affirmed, the outpouring of support he has received from the public, and strategy for the upcoming race.

42:16 -- seems to be audio from the Belmont Breakfast. Post positions are being announced.

Side B - June 10-11, 1978

Side begins with audio from the Belmont Breakfast. Trainers John Veitch, Laz Barrera, Lou Rondinello, and John Russell, as well as jockey Jorge Velazquez, take questions from the press. They discuss race strategy, equipment changes, and their horses' prospects in the race.

10:30 -- group interview with Laz Barrera, trainer of Affirmed. Barrera discusses his plans for Affirmed in the upcoming race, and his good relationship with jockey Steve Cauthen.

11:51 -- an unknown speaker is discussing why Affirmed is his pick to win the Belmont Stakes.

14:33 -- Laz Barrera further discusses the upcoming race.

14:58 -- jockey Jorge Velazquez discusses his hopes for the upcoming race. This is followed by several minutes of crowd noise. At approximately 17:45, the call "Riders up!" can be heard.

18:25 -- Bolus seems to be in the crowd waiting for the Belmont stakes to begin. No interview is taking place. At 20:21, a sudden noise is heard, likely the starting gate opening. The crowd immediately erupts into loud cheering. At 23:13, an individual voice declares "that was a hell of a race."

24:32 -- Jorge Velazquez, rider of 2nd place finisher Alydar, is speaking to reporters. He discusses the brief time during which he had the lead, and praises both Alydar's and Affirmed's performances. A replay of the race begins playing in the background - dominates the audio for several minutes.

34:05 -- John Veitch, trainer of Alydar, is speaking to reporters. He is disappointed to have lost, but still proud of his horse's performance.

37:35 -- speaker is not identified, but may be Affirmed's owner Lou Wolfson. Emotional at outcome of the race.

39:30 -- Laz Barrera, trainer of Affirmed, is speaking to reporters. He discusses the race and declares both Affirmed and Alydar to be truly great horses. Also discusses his efforts to lose weight for health reasons.

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